Fate finds Destiny

Chapter 10| FATE

"Hello, Earth to Fate!" That was Cel, my dad's secretary. I didn't notice that she had been talking to me for a minute.

"I'm sorry, Cel. I was thinking of something. What were you saying?"

"Your dad asked for you in his office. Are you sure you're okay? Lately, you have been spacing out a lot, I noticed."

"I am okay, thanks. I'll go to Dad's office now."

On my way to my dad's office, I can't help but think of what happened to me in Kyoto. After talking to my dad over the phone that night, they never asked for any explanation why I was in Kyoto. I realized how big the hearts of my parents are. They did everything on their end to bring me home the next day. After our phone conversation, I took the earliest flight back to New York. My crying and sobbing upon seeing them at JFK was a sight to behold. Mom and Dad thought it was because I lost my wallet and cellphone to the thieves. They thought my experience with the people who slashed my backpack traumatized me. They have never left my side since then. My parents took care of me like a princess.

I didn't tell them anything about Joseph, though I still think about him daily. Every night, I cried silently in my bedroom. His face always daunt me. I don't think I will ever forget how he looked at me then. At least I have his kiss and embrace to remember him.

I will always keep Kyoto as my special memory. He will always have a special place in my heart. But I guess it's time for me to admit my defeat. I have to accept my fate. I think the love gods showed me the answers to my love questions the hard way. Maybe I am fated to be married to my anonymous prince.

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"Hi, Dad! Cel said you want me to come and see you here?"

"Yes, Princess, come here. Mom just called and said the Lees were ecstatic to learn that we expect their arrival next week. I think Mom already told them about your decision. You don't know how happy you made me, Princess."

I smiled at my dad. I can see how excited he is. If there is any consolation for me accepting this arranged engagement/marriage, it is to see my dad happy. I will take their word that whoever that prince, he is the one that suits me best. Anyway, parents know best! Who knows, I might have the same happily ever after and happy ending as my parents.

I guess my fate is not so different from my destiny.

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After Two Weeks 

We are meeting the Lees today. I woke up with a ready heart. I promised myself I would accept my engagement and marriage with an open and understanding heart. If I could fall for someone in Kyoto in less than a day, I would learn to love my prince more since we will spend our lives together for the rest of our lives.

And besides, I have my parents' love story to look up to. First, I asked Mom and Dad about the Lees, but they told me very little info. Then, finally, my dad informed me that Mom and Mrs. Lee, my future mother-in-law, had been best friends in Korea since they were in grade school. And they promised each other that as long as they both had a daughter and a son, they would have them be married in the future. I learned my prince knew about the arrangement ever since. He was lucky his parents told him about it differently than my parents told me. Mom said my prince liked me from the beginning. Is that possible? Well, I guess nothing is impossible anymore. But just like me, he hasn't seen me even in pictures. Funny though, Dad said Mr. Lee, my future father-in-law, was telling them that their son has my baby picture up to now. My baby picture he got five years after I was born. I remember my photos up to when I was ten years old didn't give justice to how I look now, ten years after.

Mr & Mrs. Lee were the nicest. I am not surprised why my parents would die for me to be married to their family. I already felt like I was one of theirs since the moment they set eyes on me today. Mrs. Lee is like my mom; they are practically sisters, less the nagging. She is a sweet, soft-spoken lady. By the way, she looks and talks to me, and I am sure she adores me. And I feel the same way. Mr. Lee is like Dad, adding humor and talkativeness. He made me feel the way he talked to me that there is no better wife for their son than me. Not a terrible start, I told myself.

But I can't seem to find their son. They arrived without him. His parents informed us he couldn't make it to today's dinner. But he will come to see my family and me tomorrow. What is prolonging my agony? If his goal is to make me yearn for him, I guess it worked a little. After meeting his advance party- his parents- I wanted to meet him. I can't help but wonder what kind of person he is?

Before we called it a night, Mrs. Lee gave me a box. She made me promise to open it after the wedding. Everything I needed to know about their son, Mama Lee, kept in the box. She thought it was never too late for me to know him since we had each other for our life after the wedding. Honestly, I find it sweet. I gave her a warm hug. Mr. Lee held my hand while telling me that in advance, they are sorry if ever something is lacking from their son. But he was confident in telling Mom and Dad that he was very sure of one thing: the young Lee only had his eyes and heart for me. His words moved me.

I can't wait to meet their son, my prince- my future husband.